Benefits of Far Infrared Rays

All living organisms are subjected to the natural electromagnetic radiation reaching the earth from the sun. Thermal radiation (or infrared) is a band of energy in the complete electromagnetic spectrum and it has been used effectively for millennia to treat/ease certain health issues and discomforts.

FIR transfers energy purely in the form of heat which can be perceived by the thermoreceptors in human skin as radiant heat. Its application in medicine requires understanding and knowledge of the interactions of electromagnetic radiation at FIR range with biological structures (including cells, cell membranes, cell fluids – especially water, DNA/proteins) and functioning of the living systems in general. For simplicity, FIR can be broken down into 3 main properties: radiation, deep penetration, and resonance absorption.

  1. Radiation: it means it can directly reach human bodies just like light does. For example, sunlight, which is also radiation, reaches earth through the vastness of space.
  2. Deep penetration: FIR can reach well into subcutaneous layers of the body (or water) generating internal warmth suitable for molecule activation in living tissue.
  3. Resonance absorption: Once illuminated, there is intrinsic vibration of body components - water, protein, fat, enzymes. And, the interior of molecules - atoms and atomic structures - experience the resonance absorption of FIR of their same frequency. This elevation of molecular energy is known as "resonance and absorption" (Fatma Vatansever, 2012).

Further studies about the benefits of FIR can be found in the links below:

  • Reversing The Aging Process – an Enlightened Doctor’s Discovery Dr. Fouad I. Ghaly, M.D., conducted a review of the medical literature and medical history to investigate the benefits of far infrared light to treat stress, depression, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, cancer, thyroid,  and a host of other ailments
    http://www.doctorshealthsupply.com
  • Research and peer review studies This collection of studies by Japanese researchers shows the benefits of far infrared light to treat stress, depression, thyroid and other medical problems.
    http://www.kenrico.com/research.html#BWR
  •  Warming up to Far Infrared, by D. J. Fletcher, Alternative Medicine MagazineThis review of the medical literature details the studies supporting far infrared light’s ability to alleviate stress, depression, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, cancer, heavy metal detox, thyroid, and many other maladies. Source : BalancedLives.net.
  • The Promise of Far-Infrared Treatment, Acupuncture TodayAuthor Andrew Rader reviews the history and medical literature supporting far infrared light to treat chronic fatigue, chronic pain, cancer, heavy metal detox, prostate cancer and other illnesses
    http://www.acupuncturetoday.com
  • Far Infrared Sauna Purification, by Dr. Toshiko Yamazaki, MD, Japan Dr. Toshikoi Yamazaki owns a  far infrared therapy clinic in Japan where she has done extensive research on the uses of far infrared therapy or infrared light therapy.  In her book “The Science of Far Infrared Therapies”, she explains that one of the reasons far Infrared Therapy has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses, is the ability of far infrared waves to remove toxins which is often the core of many health problems.

The Benefits of Negative Ions

Negative ions are incredibly important in determining mood. Michael Terman, PhD, of Columbia University in New York, has researched negative ions and reports that, "The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report lightened moods. Furthermore, Columbia University studies on depression in winter has shown that depression can be relieved as much through negative ion generators as it can through the use of antidepressants, without the negative side effects. These ions increase the amount of oxygen flow to the brain, increasing awareness and mental energy.

Further research into the benefits of negative ions can be found below:

  • “Controlled Trial of Bright Light and Negative Air Ions for Chronic Depression.”Psychological Medicine.  (Namni Goel, Ph.D., Michael Terman, Ph.D., Jiuan Su Terman, Ph.D., Mariana M. Macchi, Ph.D., and Jonathan W. Stewart, Ph.D.) This 2005 study confirmed that bright light and negative air ions helped reverse the symptoms of patients suffering from chronic depression. These patients also reported a reversal in the symptoms of fatigue, weight gain and stress. Source : Cet.org
  • “Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder with a High-Output Negative Ionizer.” Michael Terman, Ph.D. and Jiuan Su Terman, Ph.D. This 1995 study evaluated the antidepressant effect of negative ions to treat people suffering from winter depression. The study found evidence that negative ions can be used as an antidepressant. There is also evidence negative ions reduce fatigue. Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Source : Cet.org